Statement A:
"A consortium of local agricultural businesses invested £3.8 million to restore 150 hectares of upstream peat wetlands and construct a network of sustainable drainage basins. The landowners who developed these basins report improved soil quality, higher crop yields, and direct access to reliable irrigation during dry seasons."
Statement B:
"Due to the water-retention capacity of the restored wetlands, peak river discharge downstream during winter storms was reduced by 15%. This natural flood mitigation protected residential properties in the valley below, saving homeowners thousands of pounds in flood damage repairs and reducing local insurance premiums. Additionally, municipal water treatment facilities downstream reported a 20% reduction in sediment levels, lowering their chemical purification costs."
With reference to the statements above, explain what is meant by external benefits.
